State report finds no criminal charges in rare liquor investigation at Oregon alcohol agency

The Oregon Department of Justice has concluded its investigation into the rare liquor probe that rocked the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission last year, determining that criminal charges are not warranted in the case. The probe began in February 2023 after allegations surfaced that employees of the commission had used their positions to obtain bottles of top-shelf bourbon for personal use.

After reviewing thousands of documents and conducting numerous interviews, the Department of Justice found that while the behavior of the employees may have breached ethical standards, there was no explicit policy prohibiting their actions. The investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to prove criminal offenses such as official misconduct and misuse of confidential information beyond a reasonable doubt.

The internal investigation by the agency had initially revealed that then-Executive Director Steve Marks and five other officials had diverted sought-after bourbons, including Pappy Van Winkle’s 23-year-old whiskey, for personal use. While the officials had paid for the whiskey, they had used their knowledge and connections within the commission to obtain them, depriving the public of the expensive booze.

Governor Tina Kotek, who had called for the probe and requested Marks’ resignation, expressed gratitude to the justice officials involved in the investigation. The findings will now be made available to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for consideration in its ongoing civil investigation into the matter.

Despite the lack of criminal charges, the case has shed light on the need for transparency and ethical conduct within state agencies, with Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust in government leaders and employees. The fallout from this rare liquor probe serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards in public service.